Wangenheimia

HABIT Annual. Culms 7–30 cm long. Ligule an eciliate membrane.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence composed of racemes.

Racemes single; linear, or oblong; unilateral. Spikelet packing broadside to rhachis; crowded; 2 -rowed.

Spikelets pectinate; solitary. Fertile spikelets sessile.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 2–12 fertile florets; with diminished florets at the apex. Spikelets oblong, or ovate; laterally compressed; 3.5–5 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret. Rhachilla internodes definite.

GLUMES Glumes lateral; persistent; reaching apex of florets; firmer than fertile lemma. Lower glume subulate; 0.8 length of upper glume; 1 -veined. Lower glume lateral veins absent. Lower glume surface without pits. Upper glume lanceolate; coriaceous; 1-keeled; 2–3 -veined. Upper glume surface glabrous, or pubescent. Upper glume apex acuminate.

FLORETS Fertile lemma oblong; chartaceous; much thinner on margins; keeled; wingless; 5 -veined. Lemma lateral veins obscure. Lemma surface unwrinkled; without grooves; glabrous, or pubescent. Lemma apex acuminate. Palea keels scabrous. Apical sterile florets resembling fertile though underdeveloped.

FLOWER Lodicules 2. Anthers 3. Ovary glabrous.

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp. Embryo 0.25 length of caryopsis. Hilum elliptic.

DISTRIBUTION Europe, or Africa.

Please cite this publication as detailed in How to Cite Version: 3rd February 2016.